He and two others are accused of the assault of a DJ in Southport’s Lounge Inn bar on December 29.

The England midfielder indicated he will deny charges of assaulting Southport businessman Marcus McGee and affray during the brief hearing at North Sefton Magistrates Court.

The 28-year-old, who wore a dark blue suit, black diagonally spotted tie and white shirt, was driven up to the court steps in a black BMW.

There was a heavy police presence outside, with around 50 photographers and TV journalists assembled behind barriers set up in front of the neighbouring police station.

After his arrival Gerrard was guided by an usher at 9.55am into the 10ft high, glass-panelled secure dock with two other defendants and spoke to confirm his address, date of birth and full name as Steven George Gerrard.

The Crown Prosecution Service wanted to gather more information relating to five other men connected with the case - whom have all been granted police bail.

The footballer appeared relaxed during proceedings with hands folded, listening intently to court officials. He twice glanced up to the pack of journalists crammed into the public gallery above court number two and when the magistrates retired he spoke to his solicitor in a calm manner and smiled.

The trio were released on bail and must not approach Mr McGee, 34, and nine other witnesses. They cannot enter the Lounge Inn unless accompanied by their solicitor and must return to North Sefton Magistrates’ on March 20.

Gerrard, of Freshfield, continues to play football and scored in the 1-1 draw against Everton in the FA Cup on Sunday.

The England midfielder left North Sefton Magistrates' Court a few minutes ago after a short hearing, during which he spoke only to confirm his name and address, and to say 'not guilty' to the charges of assault occasioning actual bodily harm and affray.

The incident was alleged to have taken place at the Lounge Inn restaurant and bar on Bold Street, Southport town centre, on December 20, following Liverpool's 5-1 win over Newcastle United.

The other defendants in the case, John Doran, 29, of Woodlands Road, and Ian Gerard Smith, 19, of Hilary Avenue, both Huyton, also pleaded not guilty to the charges.

Gerrard appeared relaxed during the short hearing, during which he wore a dark blue suit, with a white shirt and a black striped tie.

He was released on bail under which he must not approach any of one eight named witnesses or to enter the Lounge Inn unless accompanied by his solicitor.

Gerrard was ordered by magistrates to return to the court on March 20, with the case due to be committed to Liverpool Crown Court for trial.

Mr Gerrard and the two other defendants arrived in court three of the magistrates at 9.50am

Prior to the start of proceedings defence teams were given four copies of footage of the incident taken from three CCTV cameras by prosecuting solictor Nick Evans. The footage lasts 20 minutes.

Journalists were searched as they entered the court and had their mobiles taken from them until after the case.

Gerrard spoke only to confirm his name as Steven George Gerrard.

The court heard the case was not suitable for summary trial and will be committed to the Crown Court in Liverpool.

Mr Evans explained that complainant Marcus McGee recieved multiple punches and kicks while he was in a "crouching poistion" on the floor. McGee sustained a broken tooth and cuts above his eye during the attack in which bottles were thrown.

The CPS wanted a two week extension of the time until the next hearing in a bid to gather more information on the case, but chairman of magistrates Ray Roukin refused to extend the normal eight weeks given.

The court heard the CPS wanted to pursue further enquiries relating to five other men connected with the case, whom have all been granted police bail.

Bail conditions were not to enter the Lounge Inn on Bold Street, but this can be lifted if the he Gerrard to go with his solictor.

He must not approach Marcus McGee or seven other witnesses, some of whom are civilians with some workers at the Lounge Inn.

The England midfielder left North Sefton Magistrates' Court a couple of minutes ago after a short hearing, during which he spoke only to confirm his name and address, and to say 'not guilty' to the charges of assault occasioning actual bodily harm and affray.

The incident was alleged to have taken place at the Lounge Inn restaurant and bar on Bold Street, Southport town centre, on December 20, following Liverpool's 5-1 win over Newcastle United.

The other defendants in the case, John Doran, 29, of Woodlands Road, and Ian Gerard Smith, 19, of Hilary Avenue, both Huyton, also pleaded not guilty to the charges.

Gerrard appeared relaxed during the short hearing, during which he wore a dark blue suit, with a white shirt and a black striped tie.

He was released on bail under which he must not approach any of one eight named witnesses or to enter the Lounge Inn unless accompanied by his solicitor.

Gerrard was ordered by magistrates to return to the court on March 20, with the case due to be committed to Liverpool Crown Court for trial.

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UPDATE: Friday, January 23, 2009 - 10.11am

LIVERPOOL captain Steven Gerrard turned up to North Sefton Magistrates court surrounded by the world's media.

Gerrard arrived shortly before 10am, chaffeur driven to the foot of the court steps, dark blue suit, with a white shirt and a black striped tie and had a clear path through the hoards of reporters and cameras at the entrance to the court.

There were few onlookers as the crowds that police feared failed to materialise, although several cars drove past, no doubt Evertonians shouting "Send him down!"

A crowd of papparrazi were also camping outside alleged victim, Marcus McGee's home in Churchtown.

Keep checking back to the website for updates and video

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Friday, January 23, 2009 - 9.49am

LIVERPOOL captain Steven Gerrard will make his first court appearance today .

Gerrard will appear at North Sefton Magistrates Court to answer an assault charge after an alleged brawl at the Lounge Inn in December.

Police have put a series of measures in place including a detachment of more than 30 police officers to maintain order outside the court. More police will control Southport’s traffic flow.

Paparazzi will be corralled into a designated area in front of the building with any press required to present a pass to gain entry to the court building.

Gerrard will face charges of assault occasioning actual bodily harm and affray. He will appear alongside John Doran, 29, of Woodlands Road, and Ian Gerard Smith, 19, of Hilary Avenue, both Huyton.

There have been several other arrests in the case which saw part-time DJ Marcus McGee suffer bruises and a missing tooth on December 29.

Coleen Rooney’s youngest brother, Anthony McLoughlin, 19 was arrested of assault and affray. He was released without charge on police bail.

And 28-year-old Accrington Stanley goalkeeper Ian Dunbavin was arrested at his Southport home and questioned on suspicion of assault and affray before being bailed.